At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide specialist family legal advice and manage your own caseload.
- Company: Join North & West Kent Citizens Advice and Kent Law Centre in a supportive environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working with some travel across Kent and a focus on client-centred support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in improving access to justice for vulnerable families in Kent.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with at least three years’ PQE.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Salary £40,000–£50,000 per annum, depending on experience (pro-rata for part-time).
Location: Offices in Gravesend, Dartford, Swanley, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells or Folkestone, with some travel across Kent and scope for 1–2 days’ home working per week, depending on service needs.
Workplace: Hybrid working
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Flexible
Hours per week: 35 hours p/week (Part-Time work considered)
Could you use your family law expertise to help build a new family legal aid service to improve access to justice in Kent? Are you an experienced Family Solicitor who wants to use your legal skills to make a real difference? This is a rare opportunity to join North & West Kent Citizens Advice and Kent Law Centre at an exciting stage in our development. We are expanding our family law work with the aim of securing a family legal aid contract, helping to improve access to justice for vulnerable people and families across Kent. Kent is widely recognised as a “legal aid desert”, where many people struggle to access specialist legal advice at some of the most difficult points in their lives. We want to help change that.
About the role
- You will provide specialist family legal advice, casework and representation, manage your own caseload, support legal aid compliance, and help shape the development of our family advice team.
- The role will include managing family law matters including Private Law Child Arrangements Orders, Public Law Care Proceedings and domestic violence.
- Providing legal representation, including court representation where appropriate.
- Meeting legal aid billing and compliance requirements once the contract is secured.
- Supervising and supporting our CILEX-qualified Family Adviser.
- Helping to build referral partnerships and integrate family work into our wider advice model.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for a qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with Practice Rights, at least three years’ PQE, and the ability to meet Legal Aid Agency supervisor requirements for family law. You will bring strong family legal aid experience, confidence managing complex caseloads, sound knowledge of legal aid compliance, and a sensitive, client-centred approach to working with vulnerable clients.
We offer a supportive, values-led working environment, payment of professional fees and memberships, a 35-hour working week, generous annual leave, pension scheme, and opportunities for continued professional development.
We’re Disability Confident. Disability Confident is a government scheme that supports employers to improve how they recruit, retain, and develop disabled people.
Family Solicitor (Legal Aid) in Royal Tunbridge Wells employer: Citizens Advice BANES
Citizens Advice BANES is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the Aldershot community through its focus on energy access and debt solutions. With a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, staff members are encouraged to enhance their skills while working collaboratively to address complex energy issues. The unique opportunity to supervise outreach initiatives allows for direct engagement with the community, making this role not only rewarding but also vital in fostering positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Solicitor (Legal Aid) in Royal Tunbridge Wells
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
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Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Citizens Advice BANES, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
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We think you need these skills to ace Family Solicitor (Legal Aid) in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Citizens Advice BANES, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Citizens Advice BANES and the specific role of Family Solicitor (Legal Aid). Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Citizens Advice BANES’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Citizens Advice BANES
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Citizens Advice BANES.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Citizens Advice BANES.
